Man City reach Erling Haaland contract impasse in latest Arsenal title race distraction

Arsenal will keeping watch of Manchester City, who are reportedly attempting to iron out a contract extension with Erling Haaland but are said to have hit a key difficulty.

's ambitions to have crowned champions have so far been scuppered by the side he used work as a coach, . By a five-point and two-point margin they have pipped the Gunners to claim third and fourth successive victories over the past two seasons, so the pressure has mounted to end their dominance.

But so far things have not gone to plan with fourth place, albeit by goal difference, where they stand at present. This is four points from Man City and nine from unexpected Premier League leaders .

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Injuries and suspensions of course have been a key factor in this hampered start and once the November international break ends Arteta must find a way to take his squad back to their best form.

At least they can take comfort from the latest rumour, which acts as proof that Pep Guardiola's seemingly faultless side are not impervious to distraction as well, which becomes even more glaring when they sit on a four-match losing streak.

provide the latest update about 's contract situation at the Etihad Stadium. It has to be said that ultimately, Man City apparently feel 'confident' they can get their striker to renew. The fear would be that Real Madrid, , tempt him away.

The report states that the 2024/25 top scorer so far would become the highest-paid Premier League player at £500k per week - surpassing the £400k per week deal team-mate Kevin de Bruyne currently holds. Man City would offer these terms for two additional years, through to 2029.

However, the Gunners can allegedly hang their hope on the fact that contract discussions are stalling with friction over the insertion of a release clause. Haaland's current deal at Man City contains a £150m clause suitors such as Real Madrid would be able to activate without questions asked - Etihad Stadium chiefs want this removed entirely, but the Norwegian's representatives want it kept.

The longer it takes to find a compromise, the longer this drags on. Coincidentally Haaland has gone off the boil in recent weeks with only one goal in one goal in three club outings, after starting the campaign with 10 goals in his opening six matches, so they will hope this continues.

As a short-term prospect the Gunners can use this to leapfrog their rivals, and in the long run without their prolific goalscorer Man City could slip behind.